We’re back today to talk about a genre that can be complicated to grasp in its nuances: Power Metal!

So let’s find out this universe when fantasy meets heavy music !

WHAT IS POWER METAL ?

Power Metal (which I’ll shorten to PM) is a subgenre that appeared in the 80s. This one has two different but very similar styles:

• US Power metal (ou USPM)
• European Power Metal (ou Melodic PM)

The gender can be summarized in a mixt between Traditional Heavy Metal and Speed Metal.

US VS EUROPEAN POWER METAL

Before continuing this article, to avoid confusing you along the way, I will give you a brief overview of the similarities and differences between these two styles.

For this, let’s take a look at the table below!

In the outer columns, you can find the distinct elements of each style. In the middle, which brings them together.

However, today the two are extremely close and artists come from all over the world.

ORIGINS OF POWER METAL

The genre (whatever its origin) begins with the new wave of English Heavy Metal more commonly called NWOBHM.

Then, speed, thrash, and neo-classical metal brought other elements that the PM roughly took (hence the difference explained above).

Through all this info, we can name as inspiration : Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Marcyful Fate, Rainbow, Dio, Deep Purple, Uriah Heep, Yngwie Malmsteen among others !

As to who highlighted the PM, one that stands out in America as one of the key bands is Manowar. In Europe, it’s Helloween who is credited.

As for the origin of the name, it’s like many other genres uncertain. What we can say is that one of the first uses was made by none other than Metallica for one of their demos in 1982.

POWER METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

We want it to be powerful, so speed is a key element! Not necessarily in chord changes, but in arpeggio, solos, or «scratching of strings».

We also use palm mute technique.

This applies to both guitar and bass.

For the drum, we use double bass patterns !

And we add a melodic aspect with either :

• a keyboard
• or an orchestra

Everything must be epic. An anthem where everyone gathers.

Singing

Most often songs are sung with clean vocals (even classical). We sing in the high register. We can hear lots of tenor voices (one can give the example of a band that influenced the genre: Iron Maiden)

But we can find lower voices. And in the more recent bands, we can hear some screams and growls here and there.

Lyrics

Here we talk about fantasy, science fiction, mythology, personal problems, hope, strong emotions, war, history, science, or spirituality.

Appearances

This is where EVERYTHING can happen !

Have you always dreamed of seeing guys dressed only in beast skin? Or are you more into medieval times with dungeons and dragons? Or do you secretly adore men dressed in leather, who wear the codpiece like no other and with pride?

All the craziest outfits can be found in this genre! (Not only, but mostly)

From medieval/ pirate/ viking look, to the futuristic space warrior, through half-man/ half-robots, animated and other fantasies.

The crazier, the better right?

Well, then, some dress normally also…

POWER METAL BANDS/ARTISTS

Power metal artists include :

Manowar, Brocas, Helm, Cirith Ungol, Fates Warning, Metal Curch, Iced Earth, Sanctuary, Crimson Glory, Manilla Road, Savatage, Omen, Hammers of Misfortune for the USPM

Helloween, Blind Guardian, Gamma Ray, Lost Horizon, Running Wild, Pagan’s Mind for the European Power Metal

A well as : Children of Bodom, Angra, Sonata Arctica, Alestorm, Beast In Black, Kamelot, DragonForce, Powerwolf, Galneryus, Hammerfall, Avantasia, Unleash The Archers, Sabaton, Chinchilla or Epica and Nightwish among others.

EVOLUTION

The genre evolved into many different categories such as :

• Symphonic power metal,
• Heavy power metal,
• Folk power metal,
• Power-thrash,
• Progressive power metal,
• Neo-classical power metal,
• or Extreme power metal

Conclusion

Whether you are ashamed or not to listen to this genre, it is undeniably an integral part of metal!

With its Anthem songs, optimism, and crazy looks, Power metal has established itself over the years and will continue to exist for a very long time.

If you want to discover more, you can listen to the playlist below dedicated to the genre.

Feel free to like and share this post if you find it interesting !

I also remind you that if you want to discover all the caricatures/ drawings of artists on the blog you can access them right here!

See you soon !

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Sources :

Loudwire – Who really invented Power Metal – Joe DiVita – juillet 2020 : https://loudwire.com/who-invented-power-metal/

Death Metal Undeground:

Introduction to Power Metal, Part 1 ; origins and influences – Johan Pettersson, March 23 20218 : https://www.deathmetal.org/article/introduction-to-power-metal-part-i-origins-and-influences/

https://www.deathmetal.org/article/of-power-metal-and-other-tales/#european

Metal Music Archives :

Power Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/power-metal

US Power Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/us-power-metal

Claire Abe

The post Power metal : when power is the ultimate goal! appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

I’m coming back for a new post!

I had to stop things for a while because of a hand injury (the pain spread to my elbow). All this was on the right side and, of course, I am right-handed!

Anyway, I’m back !

We are here today, a few days from Halloween (I am more Samhain than Halloween but nevermind) to talk about a genre that perfectly matches the dark and gloomy surrounding spirit: Black Metal

I must admit that it’s a musical genre that I rarely listen to. I respect it and find some aspects of black metal super interesting but the sensitive soul in me has a hard time, at times, to get along. At least, at the time I’m writing this post. Things can change.

So, while researching for this post, I learned a lot of things at the same time. It’s a win-win!

That being said, let’s explore what Black Metal is together!

WHAT IS BLACK METAL ?

It is a subgenre from heavy metal that has emerged everywhere in Europe and the world since its appearance. It started in the 1980s and grew in the 1990s.

It’s a genre with a dark, raw, aggressive, and nihilistic musical atmosphere.

BLACK METAL’S ORIGINS

We can say that black metal is derived from death metal and thrash metal.

They are also artists of these genres who are pioneers of black metal. They are part of what we can call the first wave.

In the artists who forged this style, we can find:

• Venom (UK): who gave the genre a name, also influenced with anti-Christian texts, relatively terrifying pseudonyms, and with their «raw» and rudimentary sound.

• Bathory (Sweden): whose influence is also marked by rudimentary means of production, but the scorched cries in the high-pitched register are added.

• Celtic Frost (Switzerland): Influence the genre with covers and texts of infernal connotation

• Mercyful Fate (Denmark) + King Diamond: inspires with black and white makeup as well as occult themes.

BLACK METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

We keep many of the same principles as death metal, with some additions and nuances.

Guitars:

We use guitars in the treble, with fast plans, a lot of distortion, using tremolo or alternate picking, and widespread use of harmonic minor scales. We also change the tuning of the instruments.

Drums :

It’s the same layout as death metal, but the bass drum and snare are usually bigger to get a more fat sound. We practice the blast beat and use the double pedal.

The rhythm on the drums is very fast which requires expertise and stamina!

Keyboard :

The keyboard moves back to the foreground. This helps to put in the gloomy atmosphere and evoke dark, cavernous, or inhospitable spaces.

It can also be noted that the artists practice the suppression of the medium frequencies in order to keep only the high and/or low frequencies.

Singing

For the singing, the voice is sharp, high, with lots of screams. Generally, artists use a relatively sharp false chord scream in the high register (in opposition to the low growls). Reverb is often used to highlight the voice.

Lyrics

The most well-known themes are anti-Christian, occult, death, satanism, and all that goes with it.

However, other bands touch on the themes of mythology/ folklore (rather Nordic), paganism, etc.

Appearances

Appearance plays a major role in the black metal universe.

We can recognize people who are fans of the genre thanks to the black and white corpse painting. And when they want a little color, we add red paint or (fake?) blood. All this to look like a corpse in decomposition!

Shows

Black metal shows can be considered as sacred rituals. All this, with the help of their appearances as well as the staging.

Art

The black metal album covers reflect the atmosphere of the genre. Colorimetry level we stay on black and white mostly. As for the images, there may be satanic illustrations, dark and gloomy landscapes, other occult, or forests.

On the other hand, an example of a cover that struck me is The Dawn of the Black Hearts by the band Mayhem, which is one of the most illegally downloaded black metal albums. We find a photo taken of the corpse of the singer by one of the members of the group who found him…

CHURCH BURNINGS AND NEWS ITEMS

Unfortunately, we can’t talk about black metal without talking about the various events that are associated with it and that have put the spotlight on the genre all over the world.

Church burnings :

This is the most well-known.

In the early 1990s, Norway became the epicenter of a series of (voluntary) church burnings. These were made by members of the Norwegian black metal scene. Varg Vikernes, Euronymous, and other members of Mayhem were said to have been involved in these fires. It contributed to the feeling of darkness and controversy that black metal artists are often associated.

These church burnings have attracted the attention of international media by describing the scene as dangerous and extremist.

Ultimately, as a result of these burnings, the black metal scene around the world has been under legal surveillance to ensure that no such event ever happens again.

The controversy of church burnings has divided the black metal community.

On one hand, we have those who condemned these actions by finding them stupid. And on the other, we have those who thought these actions were necessary in order to rebel against societal norms.

Nevertheless, the church burnings were a pivotal moment, highlighting this genre. Above all, it continues to influence what people think of black metal, which is a genre that defies conventions and dark.

Other news items 

Other events have marked thegnere history, such as:

• The suicide of Mayhem’singer (the body on the cover I told you about a few seconds ago. Remember?)

or

• The murder of Euronymous (Mayhem) by Vark Vikernes (Burzum)

SATANISM IN BLACK METAL

Some time ago, I told you about the satanism in metal and everything related to it. And I told you that there were still Satanists in the metal. And here we are!

That being said, I am not saying there are none in other styles. But if there is one genre that we think of when we say “satanism”, it’s black metal.

The events mentioned above prove this. Now are all black metalhead is satanists?

The answer is (drum roll) NO! Not everyone has this ideology. Again, it’s a question of personality. Nevertheless, this satanic image is an integral part of black metal and is used by both Satanists and non-Satanists.

BLACK METAL ARTISTS

There are two waves in black metal. Some will say that there are more. However, I’ll stay on two waves.

1^e wave

The first one, which sounds more like thrash, is composed of artists such as:

Venom, Bathory, Celtic Frost, Hellhammer, Sodom, Mercyful Fate or Sarcofago.

2^e wave

The second wave is dominated mediatically speaking by the Norwegian scene with: Mayhem, Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, Immortal, Dimmu Borgir, among others.

• Despite this, groups from different countries can be found:
• Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron, and Thou Art Lord in Greece;
• Master’s Hammer, Root, Tormentor in the East of Europe;
• Abigor, and Samael in central Europe;
• Blasphemy, and Order From Chaos in Canada;
• Mystifier in Brazil;
• Beherit, Archgoat, and Impaled Nazarene in Finland;

or

• Dissection in Sweden

Influential black metal artists

 Among all these artists, some have helped to shape the sound of black metal.

Euronymous (Mayhem) :

He pushed the boundaries of the genre with his aggressive and raw guitar playing.

Euronymous also created the label Deathlike Silent Production. The latter has revolutionized the world of black metal by being involved in the release of several groundbreaking works of the genre. However, it disappeared at the same time as its creator died.

Varg Vikernes (Burzum) :

He’s one of the most influential and controversial in the scene.

Varg Vikernes has created a unique and atmospheric sound that mixes elements of black metal, dark ambient, and Nordic mythology.

He is also known for his involvement in the events mentioned above.

Quorton (Bathory) :

He is widely recognized as one of the genre’s pioneers. His work has played a crucial role in creating the sound and aesthetics of black metal.

Quorton merged elements of black metal, trash metal, and Viking mythology.

This gave raw, aggressive albums. In addition, his influence in songwriting, and his singular voice continue to influence today’s artists.

EVOLUTION

 Over time, different sub-genres of black metal have appeared such as the Symphonic black metal, the blackened death metal, the death doom, or the technical melodic black.

Bands like Behemoth, Nocrophobic or Belphegor have mixed black with death to create an even more aggressive sound.

These different associations allow the genre to reinvent itself and thus persist again and again.

Here is who closes this post on this genre so much criticized but so little understood (and I do confess that I was part of it).

You can find the dedicated playlist below:

Feel free to like and share this post!

See you soon !

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Sources :

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Metalheadcommunity – Burak Gundogdu – Aug 13, 2019 – Black Metal History – Origins, Influences, and the Path of Darkness : https://metalheadcommunity.com/history-of-black-metal/

Regainrecords – History Of The Black Metal Genre Music : https://www.regainrecords.com/history-of-the-black-metal/

My Dark Lifestyle – Sombrons dans les ténèbres du Black Metal : histoire et groupes – 05 mai 2024 : https://www.mydarklifestyle.com/blog/43-Sombrons-dans-les-tenebres-du-Black-Metal—histoire-et-groupes

Reddit : https://www.reddit.com/r/Metal101/comments/1wvldz/eli5_the_waves_of_black_metal/?tl=fr

Claire Abe

The post Black Metal : When the danger became real… appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Rock, metal and classical music, some might say there is a world between these genres. But is that the case?

In this post, we will see the place that classical music has in rock and metal. And spoiler: it is more present than you think!

So, let’s prepare scores, revive Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Wagner, Vivaldi, etc. and discover together what is happening!

PS: this post (which I find very interesting personally) is a little longer than usual. So get comfy and enjoy your reading!

THE LINK(S) BETWEEN CLASSICAL MUSIC, ROCK AND METAL

If I tell you that there is more than one link between classical music, rock and metal; what is your reaction?

If you have been reading this blog for a long time, you will tell me that it does not surprise you. But if you have just discovered me, then know that I am not crazy… well it remains to be proven, but it is a completely different subject 😜

The links between rock/metal and classical music include:

The power and tension of music 

For me, there are only two categories where you can feel the music deep in your guts and with which you can imagine yourself going on an epic ride: classical music and rock/metal.

Virtuosity

And this in every sense of the word.

Musicians

It started with the guitarists who were inspired by classical works for their songs. The first to do so was Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow and others). Subsequently, other big names followed, such as Angus Young (AC/DC) who uses classical music as inspiration for his solos or Yngwie Malmsteen who is considered the inventor of neo-classical metal.

But also a virtuosity of all other instruments. As Florent Duployer (drummer in Kakothanasy and Anachronism) said, metal materials quickly abandoned the traditional verse-chorus form. Songs have a freer form. They are often composed of blocks that overlap with each other. This way requires a very good technique from each musician.

Singers

Although the two singing styles are totally different, it can be said that in both cases:

• The voice is powerful and dramatic.

• It takes a lot of work and training for both techniques. I talk a little more here!

Also, for the anecdote, some classical music tunes are used for the entrance on stage of rock and metal bands. Strauss’ Thus Spoke Zarathustra has been exploited on numerous occasions by artists such as Dream Theater, Green Day or Elvis Presley.

Moreover, for some time now, we can see (and listen) that some metal artists use a classic influence title in intro of their albums!

SINCE WHEN IS THE LINK BETWEEN CLASSICAL MUSIC AND ROCK/METAL PRESENT?

It is from the late 1960s that we can see the link. Precisely, with Ritchie Blackmore and those who will follow him. But, you will see in the rest of the article that it has been for longer that rock and metal artists and musicians are influenced by classical music.

Also, the first time a rock/metal band went on stage with an orchestra was in 1969 with Deep Purple. Since then, the process is often done.

However, this is fine when the orchestra adds something to the music. Another dimension. If it’s to make the same chords as guitars, it loses all its interest.

THE FUSION OF CLASSICAL MUSIC AND ROCK/METAL

We can’t talk about rock, metal and classical music without mentioning the obvious examples of this mix.

Symphonic metal and Neo-classical metal

But it’s not funny, because there’s obviously a link between the two…

No, I want to be a little more vicious than that!

So let’s move on. Where I’ll tell you about the influence and use of classical music in rock and metal works that are NOT symphonic metal (or in part, we accept death and symphonic black metal. I’m generous about that)

INFLUENCE AND USE OF CLASSICAL MUSIC IN ROCK AND METAL

The most interesting part of this post!

I’ll also begin by citing groups known for their love and influence of classical music. To finish with the “lesser” known.

Also, in this part, I will note the similarity between two works. Some are completely verified, others a little less.

Muse

There are dozens of titles of classical influence. Matthew Bellamy never hid his love of classical music. His influences include Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Lizt, Beethoven and Rachmaninov.  

We can mention :

• A Reference to the song Mon Cœur s’Ouvre à Ta Voix of the opera Samson and Dalila of Saint-Saëns in their title I Belong To You.

• A great influence of the composer Sergey Rachmaninov that inspires most of Bellamy’s piano solos including Rachmaninov’s Piano Concert n°2 op 18 which is widely exploited in songs such as: Space Dementia, Megalomania, Ruled by Secrecy or the piano part of Butterflies and Hurricanes.

• Reference to Nocturne n°2 op.9 by Chopin is present in Collateral Damage and Etude op.10 n°1 inspired the first notes of Bliss.

• The 1st movement of Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Piano n°1 op.23 is used in Hoodoo

• They were inspired by Edward Elgar’s Nimrod theme for The Globalist

• The band even created a 3-part track called Exogenesis Symphony. It’s a reference to a 3-movement symphony whose introduction of the latter recalls Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

Children of Bodom

We go from prog rock/ alt rock of Muse to death metal with Children of Bodom!
You’ll see us go through many different genres of rock and metal. A real musical rollercoaster !

Back to the band. First, the former frontman of Children of Bodom, Alexi Laino (RIP) was a big fan of Vivaldi. But this is not the only influence!

We can hear :

• Bach’s Invention n°13 in A Minor in Red Light In My Eyes pt.1

• Mozart’s Piano Concerto n°20 in D Minor in Black Widow

• Mozart’ Symphony n°25 and Confutatis in Red Light In My Eyes pt. 2

• Mozart’s Queen of the Night aria from the opera The Enchanted Flute (one of the most famous classical arias) in Hatebreeder

• Or Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor in The Nail

Symphony X

Progressive metal band, there is also a lot of classical influence in their compositions. Like:

Bach’s Prelude and Fugue n°2 in C Minor in Out Of The Ashes

• Bach’s Harpsichord Concerto n°1 in D Minor and Verdi’s Dies Irae in Fool’s Paradise

• Bach’s Kyrie Eleison in Smoke and Mirrors

Or Bartok’s Concerto for Orchestra in Fallen

Queen

This is no surprise to anyone (or nearly anyone). Freddie Mercury is a classical music lover. And its influence can be found in:

• Bohemian Rhapsody (Of course!). One cannot miss such a classic (lol) influence of the classical world in rock. With these lyrical parts and its melody, there is no doubt about this fact.

• The intro of It’s a Hard Life is also influenced by the classic with the influence of Vesti La Giubba by Leoncavallo

The Beatles

Hey, after metal and rock, we go to the British Invasion, YAY!

And this may come as a surprise to you, but some of the Beatles’ well-known songs have been influenced by classical music. Like:

• Bach’s Bouree in E Minor is used as the basis for writing BlackBird by Paul McCartney. He “reversed” the chord to arrive at the arpeggio present in the song.

• John Lennon was inspired by Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata (see above) for Because

• George Martin was inspired by Invention n°12 in A Major for the piano solo in the song In My Life.

Bach’s Brandenburg n°2 in F Major inspired the title Penny Lane with the melody of the Piccolo trumpet.

Elvis Presley

Yes, it goes back to that!

First, Elvis covered Caruso’s O Sole Mio. That’s the most obvious link. But did you know that:

• Can’t Help Falling In Love with you is a “cover” of Jean-Paul-Égide Martini’s song Plaisir d’Amour

• And Surrender is inspired by Ernesto de Curtis Torna a Surriento

Now, you know the truth !

Other cases

And that is just an overview. We can also mention:

• Mars, The Bringer of War influenced Led Zeppelin for Friends and Black Sabbath’s Black Sabbath with its melody composed of tritons,
• The synth solo of the intro of Light My Fire of the Doors was influenced by Invention n°8 in Bach’s F Major,
• Genesis’ Horizons is inspired by the Suite for Cello #1 in D Minor,
• Radiohead’s Exit Music was inspired by Chopin’s E Minor Prelude,
• A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum is influenced by Air On Bach’s String,
• Lacrymosa d’Evanescence is totally based on Mozart’s Lacrimosa,
• Accept’s Metal Heart is influenced by Tchaikovsky’s Slavic March and Beethoven’s Letter to Elise,
• Kamelot’s Forever is inspired by Grieg’s Song of Solveig,
• Last Rites by Megadeth is influenced by Toccata and Fugue in D minor by Bach,
• Rush 2112 is inspired by 1812 Tchaikovsky’s Overture,
• The band Savatage released an album entitled Hail Of the Mountain King (Dans l’Antre du Roi de la Montagne in French) inspired by the work of the same name of Grieg.
  PS: Afterwards, the band members formed the rock orchestra Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• The Wizard’s Last Rhymes by Rhapsody On Fire is influenced by Dvorak’s 4th Movement New World Symphony.
• Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D minor was also used by Van Halen

We can also talk about the classical training of artists (whether singing, instruments) such as Cliff Burton (Metallica), David Draiman (Disturbed) or Ardek (Carach Angren)!

And I still pass many other obvious ones like Tarja Turunen (Tarja, ex Nightwish), Dianne Van den Giersbergen (Dianne, Ex Libris, ex Xandria), Floor Jansen (Nightwish, After Forever), Simone Simons (Epica), Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen), Amanda Somerville, Elton John, etc.

Also, how not to mention one of the most obvious links between classical and metal: Apocalyptica! Who is a metal band composed of 99% classical instruments (and particularly cellos).

BUT WHAT ABOUT COPYRIGHTS?

Most of the classical pieces were composed centuries ago. And by law, a piece enters the public domain 70 years after the author’s death.

Knowing this, the majority of classical pieces of music are in the public domain and are free of rights. And this also explains the influence of classical music in rock and metal (and other genres as well).

Classical music has a relatively important place in rock and metal.

For me, it is two categories of music that are closest in the current music. They also each have their specificities but are similar in many approaches.

Moreover many metalheads love classical music and there are probably some fans of classical music who love rock/ metal!

That concludes this post (a bit long)!

Feel free to like and share it.

See you soon!

Uncategorized

Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

La musique classique et le métal, des univers musicaux pas si éloignés – RTS – 5 octobre 2018 : https://www.rts.ch/info/culture/musiques/9893117-la-musique-classique-et-le-metal-des-univers-musicaux-pas-si-eloignes.html

Opéra National de Bordeaux – les grands airs classiques et lyriques dans le rock – 19/05/2020 : https://www.opera-bordeaux.com/episode-4-les-grands-airs-classiques-et-lyriques-dans-le-rock-16439

Music’s Shoot – Le Metal et la musique classique – Mai 7, 2018 par Thomas Gall : https://musicsshoot.wordpress.com/2018/05/07/le-metal-et-la-musique-classique/

Metalliquoi ? – Episode 14 : Le Metal et la Musique Classique [REUPLOAD] : https://youtu.be/oIUNn55RHAM?si=L85VHcD5XntaSjRv

The 30 SICKEST Uses Of Classical Music In METAL Ever – Bradley Hall : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8n8FBQmVOGw

28 Songs That Are Based On Classical Music – David Bennett Piano : https://youtu.be/qA-tkCRwNVM?si=CyCwCGfy9824Iugz

14 Songs That ‘Rip Off’ Classical Music – David Bennett Piano : https://youtu.be/yknBXOSlFQs?si=EBKfz1mRGSlPysXQ

Claire Abe

The post Classical music in rock and metal music appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today, we’re going to talk about heavy, violent, and extreme music. Here, we really get into the hard part, guys. And this genre is DEATH METAL!

Follow me and let’s dive together in a dark, aggressive, and even gore universe. Sensitive soul abstains!

WHAT IS DEATH METAL ?

Death metal is a subgenre (extreme) of metal. He appeared in the mid-80s in the USA, but he quickly moved internationally with a certain interest in this genre in Europe and more particularly in the Nordic countries. It can also be found in South America.

DEATH METAL ORIGINS

Death takes its source mainly in trash metal but also hardcore punk. Indeed, several bands paved the way for what was to come:

• Slayer is the only one in the Big Four of Thrash Metal bands to address such provocative themes as the terrible acts of Auschwitz-Birkenau or Satanism. All this in a frontal way.
• Venom also very quickly turned to lyrics with occult themes.
• Possessed had titled their first demo Death Metal in 1984.

But it’s to another band that we attribute the creation of the real first album of Death metal. And the name of it will surprise you (you have to hear the sarcasm there 😊). The band creator/ «godfather» of Death metal is called… Death.

DEATH METAL CHARACTERISTICS

The first and most obvious feature is the dark, violent, and gory side of the genre. Not everyone will like it, it’s a fact.

Music and instrumentation

It’s a bidding war genre. And you can hear it!

On drums, blast beats appear. For the drummer, this practice is sports and requires a lot of energy. From now on, the rhythmic basis of the songs is 4 times faster than traditional hard rock. We must now offer a clear game in all this «noise». This is where the Noise gate arrives.

For guitarists, the same problem of sharpness arises. To offer a game that is both fast and precise, they use palm mutting and mostly power chords. Guitars are usually tuned several tones lower. All this coupled, it is what we can commonly call chung. Because it sounds like chung-chung-chung-chung-chung. It’s a percussive sound. At the same time, we’re looking for a very rough sound.

The bass, on the other hand, is very deep. And sometimes you hardly hear it. Maybe that’s where the debate comes from: “Does a band really need a bass player?”

I won’t dwell on that.

Singing

99% of the time, the vocals will be screams. Mostly growls (or false chord scream). The goal is to go as low and as dirty as possible. It’s then good to specify that it’s very complicated (not to say impossible) to understand the lyrics if you don’t have them in front of you or if you don’t know them.

Which is great for me, because I like death music, but I hate gore etc. So I just listen to the music without worrying about the rest 😜.

Production

The typical early death metal sound production takes place in Tampas, Florida (USA). Especially at the Morrisound studio. The sound is very produced, clean, with many middle frequencies, a sharp drum sound, and an almost inaudible bass. This sound will serve as a basis for what the genre will become.

Diffusion

In the very beginning, the distribution of songs was hand to hand, through a small market of cassettes of the genre. In the end, more elaborate structures emerged.

Well today, with the internet, it’s easy to find a death metal album.

As for the gigs, at the very beginning of the genre, venues refused to host them because of the violence and fights that occurred in the public.

Some venues were doing business with Death Metal, but the latter were small, with a bad sound system and no stage.

Most of the time, the bands performed in gardens, halls, or any random places that accepted them.

Lyrics

Without surprise, lyrics of the genre are dark, creepy, and gory… but not only!

Themes covered include (of course) death, violence, Satanism, the occult, horror, and all nihilistic philosophy.

But other death bands pick topics like the environment, human psychology (often the dark side), the meaning of life, science fiction, dystopia, history, technology, and more.

Album covers

Death metal album covers also play an important role in the genre. The art that is chosen brings another dimension, another depth to the universe of artists.

DEATH METAL BANDS

In addition to the above-mentioned names, we can include :

Morbid Angel, Obituary, Deicide, Cannibal Corpse, Carcass, Arch Enemy, Crypta, Gojira, Opeth, Behemoth, Nervosa among others.

EVOLUTION

Death metal still exists in force. It has influenced many artists. It’s a genre with many subcategories. Moreover, from the beginning of the genre, there were sub-genres such as brutal death metal, melodic death metal, technical death metal, progressive death metal or grindcore.

Today, we can add a very well-known subgenre which is deathcore.

And the genre never ceases to influence artists of other genres of metal. I am thinking in particular of metalcore, symphonic metal, and nu-metal.

That’s what closes this post!

You can find a playlist dedicated to death just below.

Also, you can find all the caricatures/drawings right here.

See you !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Une Histoire musicale du rock – Christophe Pirenne

Heavy Metal 101 :The History of Death Metal – Loudwire : https://loudwire.com/heavy-metal-101-history-of-death-metal/

Death in Transition – A Brief History of the Evolution of Death Metal – Jonathan Adams : https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2017/01/25/death-in-transition-a-brief-history-of-the-evolution-of-death-metal/

Le Death Metal : Un voyage sombre et puissant dans l’univers musical – Karabooking : https://karabooking.fr/le-death-metal-un-voyage-sombre-et-puissant-dans-lunivers-musical/

Claire Abe

The post Death Metal : when extreme takes sense appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

First, I wish you a happy and wonderful New Year (I write this at the end of January 2024. Normally, we can wish it all of January, so logically, I’m not late).

Today, we meet for a special post.

In this one, I will be transparent and explain the topics related to rock or metal that I will not discuss on the blog (or in a very distant future because you should never say ever).

Because although I am open-minded, some subjects are, from my point of view, very complicated to talk about.

So let’s get started!

POLITICS and everything related to it

Yes, it’s a very complicated subject from my point of view. Let me explain why:

It’s a very personal subject. It’s directly related to a person’s values. And, we are billions on this planet to have values either similar or different. I have my vision of things, it doesn’t mean you have the same vision as mine. And I respect that. But if I write a post on this subject, that I remain as neutral as possible, I can be criticized for not having an opinion.

And in the objectives of this blog, I wish to gather around rock and metal music, to create a safe space where everyone can have the opinions they want and be respected as much as their neighbor. Because all that matters here is music.

RELIGION

This is the logical continuation and for similar reasons to the previous point.

Then you can tell me «Yes, but you did a post on satanism, blah blah blah».

Yes, I did. Because this is one of the most frequent topics concerning rock and metal. But everyone has the religion he wants (or does not have any, always at choice).

And although there are genres with a religion in it (I think of Christian rock and metal), after reflection, I do not know if I will write on it or if I do, I will remain very superficial.

And at last,

ALBUMS AND SONGS REVIEWS

We can see on different blogs, etc., many reviews of albums and songs of recent artists (or not). I don’t see myself doing that. For several reasons:

1. I did not study music (apart from guitar lessons and singing lessons). When I speak of musical studies, I speak of conservatory or musicology studies. And for this, I cannot properly analyze a musical work, if I don’t have a certain base of deep knowledge of music.

2. The complexity of analyzing pieces with neutrality. Because the goal is still to be as impartial as possible (well, that’s my opinion). But if you don’t like what you’re listening to, it’s harder to find positive things and vice versa. If you love the band you need to analyze, you may lack objectivity about what could be improved.

3. It releases a lot of new songs/albums at every moment, and I have parallel projects that are close to my heart as well. So I don’t want to prioritize listening to musical works over things I’m passionate about… like singing.

I leave that part to qualified people in that area.

Here is the list of topics that will not appear on this blog (or maybe in 50 years lol).

Hoping that you have understood that here respect for everyone and sharing are key. As well as a minimum of quality on what I make you discover. And that it is these reasons that make me avoid these subjects.

I wish you a beautiful day (or night, or evening – I don’t know when you’ll read this).

See you soon !

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Claire Abe

The post Subjects that I won’t talk about on this blog appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Hey !

Today, we will talk about a metal genre that has divided (and continues to divide) rock and metal lovers: symphonic metal!

One of the genres I particularly like, although I got into it rather late.

WHAT IS SYMPHONIC METAL ?

Symphonic metal appeared towards the end of the 90s in Europe (mostly from the north). It is a genre that brings together metal and lyrical orchestration.

But it is also a genre that is debated! And this for several reasons.

The first is that it divides music lovers. People listening to classical music/ opera find this genre too dark and too «extreme» for them. As for the “true” metal guys, it’s too soft and dull for them. In short, they don’t consider this genre as metal.

The second reason is that some consider it a subgenre of metal, while others speak of a genre of its own, where you can put all kinds of metal that use an orchestra or elements echoing symphonies.

There would then exist dozens of different symphonic metal: symphonic power metal, symphonic alternative metal, symphonic metalcore, symphonic trash metal and so on.

I’ll talk to you about my perspective on the point later in the post.

ORIGINS OF SYMPHONIC METAL

You can already listen to the mix of classical and metal music with Black Sabbath. But, personally, I do not consider this to be the origins of symphonic metal, more as an inspiration to what will follow.

A song considered the first being symphonic metal is the cover of Dies Irae by the trash metal band Believer.

This song will greatly influence the albums of Waltari Yeah! Yeah! Die! Die!, and Therion.

We can also find influences of death metal and gothic metal.

SYMPHONIC METAL CHARACTERISTICS

Music and instrumentation

Earlier, I already talked about the debate between «is symphonic metal a subgenre or a genre in its own right?».

From my point of view, which some also share, for a band to be qualified as symphonic metal there must be a large place dedicated to the orchestra/ symphony. A band that occasionally uses this element is not necessarily a symphonic metal band.

So for me, that’s one of the big features of the genre. Although, we distinguish the metal sound too.

The two combined form a feeling of power, and drama, to support an epic sound. This sound obviously comes from classical music, but also from the cinematic world. With the influence of great composers like Hans Zimmer or Danny Elfman.

Bands formation

We have the formation of a «basic» metal band:

• Guitarist(s)
• Bass player
• Drummer
• Keyboardist (very important in symphonic metal)
• Singer

But you can also find a whole orchestra with choirs.

However, some groups do without orchestra (because it has a cost), they use the synth or do it by computer to simulate the orchestra effect.

Singing

When we talk about symphonic metal, we can quickly make the link with singing. And especially lyrical singing.

Symphonic metal is famous for its (female) singers. But, in contrast with the singers with a more or less lyrical technique (because some just use their clear voices) is most of the time a singer who uses growls and other screams.

The singing of symphonic metal is often considered as «the Beauty and the Beast» with both techniques responding to each other.

If you want to learn more about singing techniques, I invite you to read this post!

Lyrics

In the themes addressed in the songs, we can find sci-fi (some are inspired by movies and science fiction books), mythology, or spirituality.

Shows

It has been said that symphonic metal music is powerful. But it’s not just that element that gives that impression. The visual of the shows strongly helps.

Shows have many lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and different staging.

These include many giant screens, fireworks, flamethrowers, smoke/confetti cannons and sometimes dancers and/or acrobats.

SYMPHONIC METAL BANDS/ARTISTS

The first two big bands of the genre, which appeared in the late 90s, are Within Temptation and Nightwish.

At the same time, other genres of artists emerged.  Musicians have pushed their fascination with opera and rock/metal to the point of making their own rock operas/metal operas. These renowned musicians from the rock and metal world imagine and create these works and ask dozens of renowned rock and metal vocalists to sing their songs.

To name just two, there are Arjen Anthony Lucassen (Ayeron) and Tobias Sammet (Avantasia)

Following these artists, we can quote among others : : Vision of Atlantis, Xandria, Apocalyptica, Lacuna Coil, Kamelot, Sirenia, Eluveitie, Epica, Amaranthe, Rhapsody of Fire, Delain, Therion, Ad Infinitum, Edenbridge, Lunatica, Trans-Siberian Orchestra, ReVamp, After Forever, Beyond the Black ou Evanescence.

EVOLUTION

This genre took time to be recognized as such, and now it is one of the most popular genres! This is because it is more accessible and «commercial» than other genres of metal.

So no, symphonic metal has, on the contrary, evolved and also influences other existing metal genres.

That completes this post! Do not hesitate to love and share if you like.

You can also find all the caricatures of the blog right here!

I leave you with a playlist dedicated to the genre below.

See you soon!

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Metal Music Archives – Symphonic Metal : https://www.metalmusicarchives.com/subgenre/symphonic-metal

Open Edition Journals – Le cas du metal symphonique, entre dégénérescence d’un art de l’extrême et exaltation du culte de la puissance – Jason Julliot : https://journals.openedition.org/criminocorpus/4127

Albert’s Beginner’s Guide to Symphonic Metal : https://symphonicmetal.mit.edu/

Metal Hammer – “We all want to leave a mark on the planet”: the epic story of the birth of Symphonic Metal – Rich Hobson : https://www.loudersound.com/features/symphonic-metal-nightwish-within-temptation-history

Rock Monsters Romania – The History Of Subgenres: Symphonic Metal – Radu Mihai : https://rockmonsters.wordpress.com/2018/06/24/the-history-of-subgenres-symphonic-metal/

Claire Abe

The post Symphonic metal : the combination of metal and classical music appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today we’ll talk about a subject that I LOVE and I am PASSIONATE about : SINGING!

We can’t talk about rock and metal music, without talking about the types of singing that accompany them (in general).

So, come with me to the fabulous land of rock and metal singing techniques!

WHAT IS SINGING?

For now, let’s go back to basics. Namely: what does singing mean? And, here… it’s complicated to put a clear and precise definition.

When you search «singing definition» on the internet, you can find dozens of definitions related to forming a sequence of melodious sounds, beautiful notes with the voice.

But several months from now, I was asked what the difference was between talking and singing and the line for me was so blurred that I could not answer that question.

So for this post, we will stay simple and agree with what the different dictionaries can say. Even if it’s worth reflecting! 😄

THE DIFFERENT SINGING TECHNIQUES

Because singing is great (I won’t deny it). But there are so many ways to sing on this earth! May it be:

• throat singing (and there are dozens just in this category),
• traditional singing (again, there are many),
• opera/ lyric,
• musical,
• soul,
• jazz,
• pop,
• rock,
• metal.

All of them have one or more techniques of their own. Although the same technique can be found in several genres.

Here, I will focus only on the types of singing that can be found in rock and metal. That is to say: clear singing, harsh vocals singing, and opera! And, I will even touch a little on the field of musicals.

SINGING TECHNIQUES USED IN ROCK AND METAL MUSIC

Clear singing

Here, I’m not going to go on forever, it’s the sound coming out of your throat, without looking to add anything to it. That’s the type of singing you’re used to hearing. I mean, relatively.

In the clear vocals, I’ll just add the use of the following techniques:

Twang

Twang is a voice that sounds nasal when no. It’s a technique that some Americans naturally have. The sound is also reminiscent of the witch’s laughter or sometimes the cat’s meowing. This technique can be used to facilitate certain sound rendering.

Falsetto

Falsetto, on the other hand, consists of singing with more air than is needed.

Belting

In this category, I will also integrate a technique used a lot: Belting.

Although commonly used today in many other genres, this technique comes directly from musicals.

Again, there are different definitions of what belting is. For some, it’s the equivalent of screaming. For others, it is singing in chest voice with a little head voice above the head /chest voice passage.

The point is that the purpose of belting is to have a powerful voice that projects away.

Opera singing

If you are a newbie, you think: but, what does she tell me?! Opera in rock and metal!

Well YES! More in metal than in rock actually. It even has a genre in which you can hear it relatively often, it is symphonic metal: an alliance of metal and classical music/ opera.

For this technique, which is one of the most complicated to have, we talk about:

• Make room for sound resonance. HYPER important for classical singers. In addition, normally, an opera singer does not have a microphone in performance. Everything happens at the level of body resonators (nose-head-throat, etc.)
• Use of Bel Canto,
• Make beautiful long vowels, with a beautiful vibrato
• The LEGATO is very important, linking the lyrics (or notes)
• VERY GOOD BREATH MANAGEMENT AND VERY GOOD SUPPORT (I put it in capital letters because this is the basis)
• …

It is a non-exhaustive list of the techniques of opera. It is a very complex technique, but so beautiful to listen to! (At least, for me).

Now, I don’t know exactly, if symphonic metal singers go so deeply into learning opera singing. But the quality of the singing is present.

I think I heard that to really be considered an opera singer, it takes at least 10 years of regular practice.

After that, all symphonic metal singers have not trained in classical singing and remain on the clear vocals for their composition as well.

Examples of lyrical singers in metal are Tarja Turunen, Floor Jansen, and Simone Simons.

Distorsions and screams

Now we’re getting to the heart of the matter. And, to help you understand the different techniques, I will give of myself. So all the examples you can hear below are made by myself and were not edited afterward. It’s raw! 😜

Rock and metal vocals are full of different distortions and screams that make these genres what they are.

Distorsions

Watch out for stereotypes! Distortions are also used in other genres such as pop, soul, blues, etc. You hear them, without necessarily realizing it when you listen to the radio!

Distortions used are:

Fry

If I had to describe what fry is, I’d say it’s a fried sound equal in pitch to your speaking voice. Fry is produced when your two vocal cords are joined together. To give you an idea, the most famous person who often uses fry is… Britney Spears! And, for those who are already used to the world of rock and metal, we can mention Maria Brink or Marilyn Manson.

This technique is often used at the beginning or end of a sentence attack. But, it can be used for complete sentences.

Example :

Epiglottic distortion and arytenoid distortion

I group these two distortions together, because they are close to each other both anatomically and phonetically speaking.

They produce a rolled sound in the throat, a bit like a bird. The “only” difference is that the sound is darker and lower with the epiglottis than with the arytenoids.

In artists who use these distortions, we can mention Christina Aguilera, Louis Armstrong…. In rock/metal, there is Lzzy Hale!

Epiglottic distortion example

Arytenoid distortion example

False cords (ventricular folds)

Ventricular folds, or commonly called false cords, is a noise that is made not with the vocal cords, but with two membranes just above them, namely the ventricular folds.

The resulting noise sounds like a grunt. They are widely used in rock and metal.

False cords example

Screams

In fact, a scream is the mixture of a distortion (either fry or false cords) and a technique called breath distortion. The latter is to make your throat turn into a giant straw to let more or less air flow according to your need.

After that, there are very few ways to scream, it’s just that there are many names to call the same scream.

The difference is that some vocalists also use several distortions at the same time to make a scream. I think in particular of Will Ramos (vocalist of Lorna Shore) who also uses a throat singing base to make his crazy screams!

Also, I remind you, if you want to learn these techniques, there are specialized teachers who are there to prevent you from ruining your voice 😊

I’ll just talk about the three main techniques, which are:

Fry scream

Update on 11.21.25:

Here, there are two types of fry screams:

• The simple fry scream
• The complex fry scream

Simple Fry scream

For this one, we use creaking (or vocal fry) and we “amplify” it with twang. We only use the vocal cords to emit the sound. The intensity of the sound is comparable to the spoken voice.
I just suggest you listen to the example below.

Artists who used this technique are: Maria Brink, Chester Bennington, or Dani Filth.

Complexe Fry scream

In this case, we use creaking AND the false strings. The layering of the two makes the sound a little louder than in the simple fry scream.
I am currently learning this technique, so I can’t offer you an audio example. However, if you want to have an idea of the sound, you can listen to Emily Armstrong, among others.

False cords scream

The same principle as before, we mix false chords and breath distortion to have this really dirty and really raw effect. In metal, we also call this technique growl!

With false cords screaming, we can measure the amount of air we want to have a cleaner or more «dirty» scream.

This is the type of scream the most used in metal.

FC scream example :

Inhale

It’s a debate technique!

The goal is that instead of producing your sound as you exhale, you produce it while inhaling (hence the name inhale). Only, for some, it is a dangerous technique, because much more chance of getting hurt considering that the vocal cords are quickly dried, etc. But, others use it regularly, (some for several years), and everything is fine.

So if you are interested in this style, you really have to be careful and find a teacher who specializes in this technique to be sure not to hurt you.

Now you can very well make the noises you make with the inhale technique with another one seen above.

Inhale is usually used to make fry scream, as it is easier to find the effect that must be produced with this technique than directly with fry scream.

Because, yes, these are particular and difficult techniques that require practice and experience to achieve them. You don’t get them with a snap of your fingers!

I’m not specialized in inhale screaming, but here’s what it sounds like :

Comments

Now you have rock and metal singers mixing distortions and screams.

Also, it is often that screamers head towards a kind of scream (usually the one they master best). But you can find screamers that use multiple screams.

I want to point out that you can be a screamer and know how to sing super well in clear singing. Although this is obvious to me, it may not be for everyone. Some famous harsh vocalists have a very beautiful clean voice. I’m thinking of Will Ramos (Lorna Shore), Alissa White-Gluz (Arch Enemy), or Corey Taylor.

And conversely, singers/ singers who use clear singing techniques have very good growls. In this case, I’m thinking of Vessel, the singer of Sleep Token and Floor Jansen who can sing anything you want because she’s so talented. Do I fan girl? A bit. But I’m not the only one who thinks that.

Update on the 11.21.25:

If you’re interested to dive deep into this subject and you either can read french or you got the translation thing on, check https://singandscream.fr/ as it’s info provided by professionals!

Here’s the end of this post on rock and metal singing! I hope you learned something new.

Feel free to share the article if you enjoyed it!

Also, you can find all the caricatures here!

And if you’re interested in listening to me singing, you can do so by visiting my YouTube channel 🙂

See you soon!

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Speed Metal : the beginning of speed

Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! We meet today to talk about a genre that marked a turning point in the world of metal when it …

Various theme

What makes a good rock / metal song ?

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

Uncategorized

Blues rock : Back to the roots

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Claire Abe

Hey there ! Today we meet for a recognizable and inevitable genre! I’ll get you in the mood. Imagine…

Sources :

Mirowshka – coach vocal : https://mirowshka.ch/

Le Chanteur Moderne – Qu’est-ce que le “Belting” : https://www.chanteurmoderne.com/blog/101-qu-est-ce-que-le-belting

École La Voie Chantée – Marie-Laurence Dubé – Technique vocale : le Belting : https://ecolelavoixchantee.com/2018/06/13/voulez-vous-belter-le-belting/

Claire Abe

The post Rock and metal singing techniques appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today, in this post, I’m gonna talk about a genre I specially love : METALCORE !

YAY !

Although you may fear the name, you will discover that there is something for everyone! And I would even say, you might like some songs!

So let’s go! I take you to the discovery of this kind that has made much talk of him throughout his existence!

WHAT IS METALCORE ?

Metalcore is a musical genre that appeared in the mid-1980s, but whose development is «in waves». There will be a new wave about every 10 years.

I’m using “wave” to talk about success, but also about style evolution. Because yes, the genre at its beginning is different from what you can hear today.

The metalcore wave of the 1980-1990 remain more or less marginal. It’s from the 2000s that the genre will really know commercial success.

But we can also say today that it is a genre in which we put many bands with totally different sounds. It’s a very accessible style of metal.

METALCORE’S ORIGINS

Metalcore is directly linked to two styles: metal and hardcore or hardcore punk. Hence its metalcore name. But we can see other influences like trash or death/ melodic death metal.

Then, with the evolution of the genre, you can find a little of any influence: electro, nu-metal, black metal, pop etc.

I’d say, there are as many influences as there are artists.

METALCORE CHARACTERISTICS / FEATURES

Metalcore is an almost permanent duality in all fields.

Music and instrumentation

In metalcore, we use very heavy riffs, well-saturated. And for the drum, the double bass drum/ double pedal is required.

Guitars are often tuned in drop D or C, but bands can totally change the tuning.

Melodies fluctuate, passing from calm moments to intense ones. Not to mention a key element of the genre: BREAKDOWNS (I explained what it is in this post). This promotes the practice of moshing.

Legato, staccato, and palm mute are widely used.

Then, with time, the genre became more and more free about the melody and the instruments used.

Definition :

Legato: A technique used to bind successive notes so that there is no silence between them. This technique gives an impression of fluidity. (source: Acadezic)

Staccato: A technique that indicates that the notes must be executed clearly detached. (source: Larousse translated)

Palm Mute: Technique used on guitar to create a muted sound effect with the slice of the palm of the hand on the strings.

Moshing: comes from the word mosh. It is a type of dance, derived from pogo, more or less violent linked to hardcore punk and metal.

Bands formation

We can already mention the basics:

• guitar(s),
• song,
• bass,
• battery.

Although some bands leave the bass to replace it with a guitar.

But we can also find:

• A synthesizer or keytar (mix between a guitar and a synth)
• The presence of a classical orchestra or instruments
• A rhythm box
• Etc.

Singing

You can also find this duality that I mentioned earlier in the singing.
While at first, the saturation usage was total, it changes over time. We can see that at one period the verses were sung in saturation mode and the choruses with clear voice.

Now, there are no more rules. You can find songs totally with “clean” singing, totally with saturation, or with both.

In a future post, I will explain the different types of vocals used in rock and metal.

Lyrics

For this one, we find the same themes as in the influences genres. So we hear lyrics about personal problems and societal/political problems.

It should also be noted that members of metalcore bands are Christian or vegan, and this is reflected in their lyrics as well.

METALCORE BANDS/ARTISTS

In the beginning, we can mention: Corrosion of Conformity, Dirty Rotten, Agnostic Front ou Suicidal Tendencies

Then, we can find: Integrity, Converge, Starkweather, Earth Crisis

After that, from the 2000s, we can add Killswitch Engage, Shadows Fall, All That Remains, Bring Me The Horizon, As I Lay Dying, August Burns Red, Parkway Drive, Bullet For My Valentine, Underoath, Asking Alexandria, Architects, Motionless In White, Spiritbox, Trivium, Avenged Sevenfold, A Day to Remember, Beartooth, Of Mice & Men, Miss May I, Bad Omens

EVOLUTION

Metalcore has not declined. It’s the opposite!

Initially, this genre was much criticized and misunderstood by the metal community. But over time, it became a major genre and much less criticized. For reasons, the gender is much more diverse than at the beginning.

In addition, metalcore will create subgenres such as deathcore, mathcore, …

Here it is, for this very diverse genre, both in terms of its sound and its evolution.

You can find the playlist dedicated right here !

Feel free to share this post if you liked it or comment.

Also, you can see all the drawings / caricatures right here !

See you soon !

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Sources :

Une Histoire Musicale du Rock – Christophe Pirenne

Discogs – Metalcore : https://www.discogs.com/fr/style/metalcore

L’éclaireur Fnac – Metalcore : quand le hardcore rencontre le metal ! – Mathieu M. : https://leclaireur.fnac.com/article/cp50051-metalcore-quand-le-hardcore-rencontre-le-metal/

Liveaboutdotcom – What Is metalcore ? – Chad Bowar : https://www.liveabout.com/what-is-metalcore-1756187

Legato – définition – Acadezik : https://www.acadezik.com/definition-legato/

Metalliquoi ? – épisode 31 : Le Metalcore : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omQRj2WvKeY

Wikipedia

Claire Abe

The post Metalcore: the duality of a genre appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.

Today we’re gonna talk about STEREOTYPES!

We’ll see that Rock and Metal are full of them. And all rockers and metalheads are faced with it one day or another (or several in fact).

To do this, I saw the top prejudices/ stereotypes most common on other blogs and websites. Below, I have put them together and give you my opinion on the matter.

So, let’s examine together these clichés a little (a lot?) exasperating and/or funny!

What is a stereotype?

Let’s start with the basics and remember what a stereotype is.

In the Cambridge Dictionary, it’s “a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, especially an idea that is wrong”

So we agree on what a stereotype is and we can move on. And get ready because there are MANY! But here, I only give you 10.

Rock and Metal stereotypes

1. “Metal is all noise and screaming!”

So, yes there are songs or bands that can be defined this way, but it is a generality. And besides, we can bring this stereotype closer to metal than to rock (except maybe hard rock). I see it that way.

In addition, we find ballads or songs «more soft» or songs with a «clean» vocal technique in most rock and metal genres.

I’ll put a little playlist right here.

Afterward, it’s also a question of what do you mean by noise? Because I can tell you the same thing when I listen to a techno song…

2. «Rockers and metalheads are satanists! Vade retro Satanas!»

I think I’ve heard it all over the place. Whether it’s on TV, in newspapers, or people on the street. To be honest, I don’t know if I should laugh or cry when I hear that.

I will not dwell on this point in this post. If you want to know all about it, I made one about it that you can read by clicking on this link.

3. “Those who listen to this kind of music are depressed!”

According to several surveys, people listening to metal… are less depressed than average.

We can listen to extreme music to empty ourselves of all the aggression and anger that we have in order to be calmer. Also, you can listen to it to express/release feelings you can’t put words on.

The subjects addressed in these genres of music are often heavy, painful, even taboo. They don’t sell you rainbows, sequins, and “all is well in the best of the world”. They tell you, yes, there are situations that are more than shitty, but that you can get away with it, as they did.

So yes, I’m not going to lie to you, people with depression can turn to metal and start liking this genre. We respect them, and we support them in their fight, but not everyone is depressed. And if extreme music does them well, then it’s great!

4. «Rock and metal bands incite to suicide»

We all know the phenomenon where several people in the media have said that, when we play the songs of rock and metal bands backwards, we hear incentives to satanism or suicide. I talked a bit about it during the satanic panic in this post.

But it can’t be any more wrong (except for black metal, but in this case, you don’t even have to hear it backwards). The topics of suicide and even mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder, etc.) are at the heart of some lyrics or the artists talk about it in interviews. In fact, some have faced it themselves.

This subject is even more present in recent years, after the suicides of well known artists such as Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave/Temple Of The Dog), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) and more.

After that, death is definitely a recurring subject in rock and metal.

5.”Rock and metal are macho movements!”

So on that point, I’m going to be more divided than some people who will say, “No, rock and metal is a big community that includes everybody, including women and so on.”

And this for several points:

1. At the beginning of certain genres, very dominated by men, songs had machist lyrics, especially in heavy metal or glam metal. It calmed down with time and the group appearance with women, but I still wanted to note it.
2. Female members of rock/metal bands had to fight to prove that they are as good as men. I think particularly of an interview of Lzzy Hale (singer and guitarist of Halestorm) with Maria Brink (singer of In This Moment) and Ashley Costello (singer of New Years Day) where the first one told that she was taken either for the girlfriend of a member of the band, or for a groupie. Maria Brink, for her part, recounted the time, when in front of hundreds of men began to shout to her «show us your breasts!» Charming, don’t you think!
3. Finally, a few years ago (+/- 5 years), a venue was in controversy because they refused to let a band with a woman on its stage because «women are not as good at rock and metal as men».

So yes, a lot of mentality changed, and for the better! A large proportion of men (I hope) understood that a person’s gender mattered little, compared to his talent. But there will always be people who have a backward, macho, patriarchal way of thinking.

6. «Rockers and metalheads are violent»

If you have read the article carefully so far, you already know the answer.

Extreme music actually has the opposite effect. The energy and “violence” of the songs helps to relieve tension, anger or other negative emotions. A study has also shown that those who listen to this kind of music are generally calmer.

So instead of trying to beat up your neighbor because he put music to the max at 7:00 am (yes, I speak from experience), listen to Lorna Shore (or another metal band) and:

• 1, you avoid prison,
• 2, you’ll feel better and
• 3, you can listen to it thoroughly to annoy him in return! 😉

Now, that doesn’t stop us from having assholes and violent people in every community.

7. “Rockers and metalheads all look alike! They wear black, skulls, tattoos, guys have long hair, etc.”

LOL

It ‘s true that some people take their look very seriously and you can see it if you type «rock look», «gothic look», etc. on the internet. And as long as they like it, it’s cool! No judgements here. I even admire the work and the details that some people bring to their appearance.

 But to say that all rockers or metalheads are alike, is to (re)make a generality.

Everyone dresses and adopts the appearance they want! So yes, you can see perfectos, artist merchs, or patch jackets, among others, but it’s not mandatory.

And for guys, long hair is not mandatory either. It’s a matter of preference. Also:

• We find men with long hair out of the rock and metal fields,
• And many male rock/metal artists have short hair. That doesn’t stop them from headbanging 😉

I’ll take my case (because it’s the one I know best lol).

I’ve been told several times that I don’t look like a rocker/metalhead.
And that suits me! Better yet, I like the idea of not conforming to preconceived ideas. I like the saying «not to judge a book on its cover». So yes, I have pieces that look rock/metal, yes, I often dress in black (because I LOVE black) and I have tattoos, but it’s not written on my face either that I like these musical genres. (Unless you meet me and read the blog then, you know 😉)

So be yourself, this is the most important thing. And those who tell you otherwise, throw them away.

By the way, I’m sure you can find CEOs and other people you wouldn’t believe rockers/metalheads about their appearance at this kind of concert.

8.«They have orgies, etc.”

So I saw this point several times, and at first, I didn’t understand why. And then I had the click:

• First, I repeat, a majority of rockers and metal players are not satanists! So no night orgies for any reason.
• Second, the mediatized setbacks of certain celebrities of these genres, do not represent the practices of those who listen to them!

All right, that is said. In addition, people who do not listen at all to these musical genres participate in orgies, so it is more a matter of preferences than anything else.

Everything that has to do with the intimate life of a person, concerns only that person. In no case do we or his musical preferences. So everyone does what they want, whatever they want, but it has nothing to do with music.

Then I see you coming up with “Yes, but what do you do with Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll” or “Yes, but there are videos that can approve this kind of practice”, etc. 

I would say that, since it makes people react, they will necessarily rush into the breach and provoke. Because rock and metal LOVE to provoke, to make people think. So, they will use it as an artistic base.

Then, if you really want to know what artists have in mind for this or that, I suggest you go and ask them directly 😊.

9. «Rockers and metalheads only listen to rock and metal!»

Some yes, some no. As with most things, it depends on the person.

Some people only listen to one style of metal or rock, others only to several or all styles of rock and metal, and others listen to a bit of everything.

Personally, I also listen to jazz, blues, soul, musicals, classical music/opera, variety, pop, folk, indie, and country. But I always come back to rock and metal because they are my favorite genres.

10. “We don’t understand anything they say!”

I have to admit that sometimes I myself don’t understand what some groups are saying (without having the lyrics in front of me). But, it is in relation to the techniques that singers use.

For extreme songs, articulation is key, but distortion plays on the comprehension of words. However, if you listen to rock/metal songs with «clean» vocals, you will understand all the lyrics. I’ll explain to you everything about those singing technics in a next post!

Here we are at the end of this list! Tell me as a comment if you have ever faced these prejudices/stereotypes or if you have faced others.

Feel free to share the post a maximum in order to «educate» a good number of people.

See you soon for a new post!

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Posted on April 25, 2025 by Claire Abe

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Hey ! Today, we meet to discuss a topic that I find very interesting: What makes a good rock/metal s…

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Sources :

Larousse – définition préjugé : https://www.larousse.fr/dictionnaires/francais/pr%C3%A9jug%C3%A9/63519

Crane Faction – top 20 des clichés sur les metalleux : https://crane-faction.com/blogs/blog-tete-de-mort/cliches-metalleux

Topito – top 8 des idées reçues sur le metal, ils sont tous satanistes les mecs – tomasg : https://www.topito.com/top-idees-recues-metal

Bravo les (contre) clichés : http://rock-metal-luxiferum.over-blog.com/pages/Bravo_les_contre_cliches-7210353.html

France Inter – Quand la science se penche sur la musique metal : https://www.radiofrance.fr/franceinter/podcasts/l-edito-carre/quand-la-science-se-penche-sur-la-musique-metal-4242980

Urbania – Pourquoi écouter du metal améliore ma santé mentale – Sébastien Jean : https://urbania.ca/article/pourquoi-ecouter-du-metal-aide-ma-sante-mentale

La musique métal vous rend plus calme ? – Beth Roar (EN) : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPL6SxdgYEs

Claire Abe

The post Rock and Metal stereotypes appeared first on Rock N' Roll World.